Toy Library & PlayTrail – PB Normalising Climate Action Proposal

We would like to officially and permanently move the Toy Library to the Playtrail.

The Toy Library normalises Climate action by introducing the sharing economy to young children as an alternative to consumerism. It also allows parents to become climate activists as part of a supportive community whilst fitting in with busy family life. Parents are often overwhelmed with climate anxiety and the Toy Library is a manageable and fun step towards the wider sharing economy.

This joyful location immerses our children in the beauty of nature, connecting to the earth we are trying to preserve by running the Toy Library.

We need to build a high quality shed to store the toys in, the cost of which is £3,600. We have £2,000 of John Moore Foundation Funding to put towards this (Grant Variation Approval pending).

The ethos of the Playtrail fits exactly with what we are doing and we have already established a beautiful relationship by hosting two weekly ‘Stay and Plays’ there. The shed would be situated at ‘Spike’s Garden’ and the Playtrail staff are excited about bringing life to this corner of the site. Once established we will have further opportunity to connect on planting initiatives and playing in nature. We would have access to the Outdoor Classroom (and the eco-base at times if needed).

The Playtrail is used already by families for outdoor play and there is a network who use the Community Fridge and the Forest School classes. This will widen our reach to expand our sharing community. This will in turn bring new families on board as part of their Zero Waste Journey and introduce them to other Zero Waste Projects too. We hope to recruit new volunteers from the new member base to ensure longevity for the Toy Library.

We are requesting £2,000 to make up the shortfall and also create internal shelving in the shed. This will create a new ‘forever home’ for the Toy Library at the Playtrail. Any surplus will be put towards a launch event in June.